Basildon Borough Council does not consider that the location selected for the new Gypsy and Traveller site (GT1) is the most suitable location available for this type of residential development taking into account the position of the site adjacent to existing and proposed industrial uses and the advantages of the dismissed alternatives appraised in the Allocations DPD Discussion and Consultation Document - February 2010. It therefore lodges a formal objection on the grounds of the DPD's soundness.

Suitability of GT1 Location for Gypsies and Travellers

Rochford District Council appraised seven site options in Rawreth, Rayleigh and Hockley when considering sites to provide the Core Strategy allocation of 15 pitches by 2018 in 2010.

Option GT6 (Land at Michellens Farm, Rawreth), which includes the entire area of Proposed Allocation GT1 had the noted advantage of having excellent access to the strategic highway network and being large enough to support all 15 pitches. However it was also regarded as being "...some way from any residential settlement which would result in a distinct isolated community and lack of community cohesion...".

Option GT3 (South of London Road, Rayleigh) conversely offered "...the potential for increased community cohesion and integration into other settlements. The site is also located within good access to the highway network, and thus good access to services in the town centre....". The disadvantages were considered to be several pylons in proximity of the site, which would constrain any residential settlement.

The Government's Planning Policy for Travellers (March 2012) states that local planning authorities should ensure that Travellers sites are sustainable economically, socially and environmentally, promoting peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community and access to appropriate health and educational services. Local Planning Authorities should also be ensuring that their policies provide for proper consideration of the effect of local environmental quality, such as noise and air quality on the health and well-being of any Travellers that may locate there.

Proposed Allocation GT1 is surrounded on all sides by major highways, railway and borders an existing industrial land use in the Basildon Borough which includes waste management activities. Basildon Borough Council therefore questions the suitability, and therefore the ability of this location to be sustainably delivered for residential occupation given the site's immediate surroundings and their potential impact on the well-being of its future inhabitants.